Bye, Tita Cory...

Last Friday (July 31), I had to bring my daughter to Makati Medical Center because she was sick. I took the chance to take these pictures of the hospital's facade with yellow ribbons tied on it, knowing that Pres. Cory was there. Little did I expect that almost 11 hours after that, our beloved ex-President passed away.
MMC in yellow ribbonReporters wait outside MMCribbons were tied on railings around MMC
and in posts and trees all throughout Makati
And just last August 3, I had to accompany Fred to the doctor because he had viral infection. We heard President Cory's cortege will pass by Ayala Avenue in Makati. Fred, though sick, wanted us to get a glimpse of it. He said it only happens once in a lifetime and we should pay our last respect to her so we walked and waited for the convoy.thousands of employees waited for the convoy to comepeople threw confetti from their office's windows
and even printed WE LOVE YOU, CORY!
and hung it outsideI couldn't believe that people, including me and Fred,
braved the heat and hunger (it was 12pm!)
just to get a glimpse of Pres. Cory's casketthe children and grandchildren of President Cory
were waving and thanking the people
| Kris Aquino and James Yap in white circle

Posting these pics is my way of paying tribute to President Cory Aquino, one woman God used to restore democracy in our country. Knowing how she was a pillar of strength to her family, her life inspires me to be the best mom to my kids and to live unselfishly for others. I think that is just one of her lasting legacies. :)

Bye, Tita Cory...

Rain and Clothes

I cannot remember any birthday that I had that it didn’t rain!

And just last Sunday, it rained cats and dogs! Or shall I say, it rained Maine Coon and St. Bernards then? I’ve watched in the news that the floods in some areas of the metropolis were neck-deep! What a downpour that was!Earlier that day, we were about to go to church when I checked if the clothes that I hung outside were already dry so I can take them inside before it rains. They weren’t, so even though an overcast sky warned me about drenched clothes, I didn’t follow my instinct and ignored the weather signs, and left for church.

The service was ongoing when loud sounds of rain drops on the roof managed to take some churchgoers’ attention away from the service---especially me. I thought of the whole week load of clothes that I washed! They were almost dry!

But I also know that I was there at the church listening to God’s words. I shouldn’t put my attention to something I cannot do about anymore. So I concentrated on the service.

On our way home, my mind was boggled by questions like: “Do I have to wash again the clothes?”, “How drenched were the clothes?” It rained so hard it was impossible to think that they were just damp.

I quickly touched the clothes when we reached home. They were all dry. I couldn’t believe it. I looked everywhere around me and all I saw were water and all things wet. I silently thanked the Lord. It was a mini-miracle!

It was indeed one rainy birthday and a blessed one, too!

Photosource

Life and its Sad Surprises

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. - Isaiah 41:10----------I didn’t blog for a while because my family is experiencing some crises today.

My husband had an executive check-up and the doctors found a disease which I don’t want to get into detail here. It’s not malignant or deadly. And it’s not the end of the world for us. It’s just that we didn’t expect it. It can be treated but still, the cost of medicines will surely dent our ever-short budget!
Fred receiving his flu vaccine: one of the freebies a client gave me
But I have to still thank the Lord for it. God has His way of telling me that we were still blessed. Last Monday, I accompanied him to a medical center for another series of test. While waiting for his turn to be checked up by the doctor, I heard the conversations of some patients, relatives and the doctor. Most of the cases diagnosed were worse than that of my husband. I can only heave a sigh of relief upon hearing them. Not that I was happy that some people had worse illnesses than Fred’s. Who would be? I am just thankful that Fred’s disease was identified in its early stage.

And just today, I knew from Fred that his friend is dying of lung cancer. He now breathes with just one lung. I am sorry for him and his family! I know how much that man loves his family! We are going to visit them this weekend.

I’m so sad for these happenings but this is life. The more we dwell on its negativities, the more unhappy and ungrateful we become. Life has to go on.

I Lost My Wallet...

There were countless of times that I returned something I found to its owner. I believe in the Golden Rule. And I believe that what you sow, you shall reap. So when I lost something earlier, my belief on that rule and Bible verse was put to the test.
This image is for representation purpose only. photo source here
After giving Gabby his lunch at 11:45 am, Sunday and I left to eat at home. Already about a block away, I noticed my wallet was missing! I decided to go back to school because that was the only place I remember I held that wallet. On the way, I thought hard where I left it. I admit I am absent-minded at times. In fact, it has been my YM status message for days: Online but Absent(minded)!

I looked everywhere for it but no wallet was in sight. I’ve asked the school guard and the moms I know but to no avail. I felt a deep regret for not being watchful of my things. If that wallet was gone for good (for bad, in my case), I’ll be losing two ATM cards (one is for paid posting payment), my TIN card, some discount cards, some cash and my son’s healthcard. There is nothing I can do about it now but pray.

And answering my prayer in broadband speed, God let one mom overheard my inquiry on the school canteen’s staff and said, “I think you should check the High School Principal’s Office. Someone informed her that he found a wallet and left it there.”

To end the story happily, I have my wallet back. I was so happy! It's just so difficult to apply for another TIN card or affidavits of loss for those cards these days.

Is it possible that the boy who returned the wallet practices the Golden Rule and believes and applies that sow-reap verse, too? I think so. I believe so.

Resorting To Email Marketing

Being a work at home mom, I also have fears regarding the stability of my work. Freelancers like me have peak seasons or those times when I have so many projects that sleep is sometimes a luxury. But on lean times, which happen more frequently now that we are experiencing economic crisis, I have to think of ways to have more clients.

Having worked in the marketing departments of different companies before, I must say that I have first-hand knowledge of what to do. The marketing managers I’ve worked for were just some of the best in the industry and I’ve learned so much from them. They always let me and my co-graphic designer, if any, join the sales and marketing meetings not only because we are the ones in-charge of executing their marketing plans through our designs of promotional materials but also because they want to share their knowledge with us.

Advertising and Marketing were also tackled in college but I still believe theories are not enough. I learned then about some of my best loved marketing strategies which are direct mails and e-mail marketing. Promotional messages are sent directly to target markets and they are way cheaper than TV commercials or billboards.

I think I have to resort to e-blasts if I need to. It’s time to apply those theories!

What I Want To Do When I Retire Someday

One of my dreams is owning a row of apartment units which will give me continuous income especially when I retire. I love the thought of enjoying the fruits of my labor and almost everyone loves passive income, right? But owning properties like apartments comes with a price. To satisfy the tenants, I know I would have to take care of the property well enough. And to have a peace of mind, I know I should scrutinize the tenants well and know more about their employment and criminal history before I accept them and let them live in my property. I think I will need the help of a Real Property Management company like RPM Midwest which offers leasing, collection and other management services for their clients' properties. I can enjoy the benefits of being the owner without worrying too much about the cost. But for now, one thing is sure: I am only dreaming! But seriously, when that time comes, I would enjoy being a landlady and make sure that my tenants get the best value for their money!